Porsche's Group B homologation supercar — twin-turbo flat-six, electronically controlled AWD, 197 mph in 1986.
The 959 was Porsche's Group B homologation programme: a twin-sequential-turbo 2.85-litre flat-six, six-speed manual gearbox, electronically controlled all-wheel-drive, magnesium wheels and an aerodynamically refined Kevlar/aluminium body on the 911 platform. 292 production cars were built across 1986–88 ('Komfort' and 'Sport' specifications), with a small number of further cars completed from spares between 1992–93.
The 959 is the founding modern Porsche supercar and one of the most important German cars of the 1980s.
The 959 is the foundation of Porsche's modern supercar lineage and one of the most technologically advanced cars of its era; values are driven by tiny production and continuous Porsche Classic-grade history.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 959 Komfort | 1986–1988 | 263 | Standard-trim road specification with full creature comforts. |
| 959 Sport | 1986–1988 | 29 | Lightweight specification with stripped interior and competition-style trim. |
| 959 (later spares-built) | 1992–1993 | — | Small number of cars completed from factory spares post-production. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Porsche 959, the strongest cars have a continuous ownership file, matching numbers where applicable, original manuals, invoices and evidence of work by recognised marque specialists. Porsche Classic / Porsche Klassik documentation, matching numbers, original colour, complete books and tools and continuous documented history are decisive.
The twin-turbo flat-six is robust when correctly maintained by Porsche Classic-equipped specialists; turbo health, cooling and engine-management calibration are core items. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, leak-down or compression testing where appropriate, underbody photography, suspension and chassis-point inspection, brake condition and a road test long enough to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted car.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory seams and panel gaps. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, poor paintwork, corrosion, incorrect panels and missing factory trim. Documented cosmetic restoration is acceptable; concealed accident repair must be priced severely.
Komfort cars are the more usable majority; Sport cars (29 built) sit in a separate higher tier. US-import 959s (originally not federalised) are a small but distinct market. Specification, colour, transmission and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres date out, fuel systems suffer from ethanol, batteries fail and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
959 service is essentially limited to Porsche Classic-equipped specialists worldwide; non-marque shops should not be relied upon. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific trim, suspension, fuel system, electronics and engine components. A cheap car waiting on unobtainable parts is rarely cheap in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
959 values are anchored by 292-car production and the car's position as the founding modern Porsche supercar. Sport cars trade in a separate market; US-import cars (originally not federalised, now over 25 years old) are increasingly mainstream.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-16 | RM Sotheby's Monterey | 1987 959 Komfort | — | $2,065,000 Sold |
| 2024-08-17 | Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach | 1988 959 Sport | — | $3,030,000 Sold |
| 2024-02-02 | RM Sotheby's Paris | 1988 959 Komfort | — | €1,635,000 Sold |
Matching-numbers 959s with Porsche Classic history should remain durable. Sport cars sit in a separate ultra-blue-chip market driven by tiny production.
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